Windshield cleaning device



Dec. 5, 1950 J. B. SPARKMAN 2,532,429

WINDSHIELD CLEANING DEVICE Filed Aug. 14, 1947 J. B. Spar/(m an IN V ENTOR.

ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 5, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 J. B.Sparkman, Dallas, Tex.

Application August 14, 1947, Serial No. 768,569

1 Claim.

This invention relates to a device for removing extraneous matter fromsurfaces and it has particular reference to a plate glass and windshieldcleaning device.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a work engaging headconsisting preferably of a substantially circular body which may be madeof wood, plastic, hard rubber or other material which will not scratchor mar the surface to which it is applied. The work engaging surface ofthe body is provided with a plurality of concentric rings which servethe dual purpose of loosening extraneous matter clinging to the glass orother surface and for retaining for longer periods, water or otherliquid cleaning agent against the surface. The body is equipped toreceive a rubber bulb into which the cleaning liquid is drawn by suctionand expelled through orifices in the body against the surface to becleaned.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for applyingwater or other liquid onto an automobile windshield while the device ismanipulated thereover to dislodge obstinate extraneous substances, suchas insects, which are difiicult to remove with a cloth or chamois.

With the foregoing objects in view, the invention has further referenceto certain features of accomplishment which will become apparent as thedescription proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawingwherein:

Figure 1 is a cut-away elevational view of a device constructedaccording to the invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the work engaging head.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the work engaging head.

Figure 4. is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing a slightly modifiedform of the invention, and

Figure 5 is a fragmentary detail view of the manner in which the bulb ofone form of the invention is attached to the work engaging body.

Continuing with a more detailed description of the drawing, referencenumeral ID denotes a substantially circular work performing body,preferably made of a material such as plastic, hard rubber, wood or thelike which will not scratch or mar a glass or other surfaces. The workengaging surface of the body IE! is formed with a plurality of annular,concentric grooves I I, defined by concentric rings I2. These groovesserve to retain quantities of water or other cleaning solution inintimate contact with the surface being cleaned while the rings I2 exerta loosen- 2 ing force against extraneous hard substances on the surfaceas the device is manipulated thereover.

The top of the body Ill has a concave recess I3 therein which is adaptedto receive a rubber ball or bulb I4, the surface of the latterconforming snugly with the wall of the recess. The bulb I 3 is securedto the body It! by means of a bolt I5, having a longitudinal passage i5therethrough for discharging liquid from the bulb onto the surface beingcleaned. The bolt I5 has a large head I1 which is forced through thehole in the bulb and this head is of large diameter so that it will notreadily become dislodged from the bulb. The opposite end of the bolt i5is threaded and extends into the circular space in the body II) definedby the smallest concentric ring, and a nut I8 is threaded thereon, thusto secure the bulb to the body I0.

To clean a surface such as an automobile windshield, plate glass displaywindow or the like, the described device is submerged in water with thebulb collapsed. As the bulb expands, the liquid will be drawn into thebulb by suction and the work engaging face of the body IE) is appliedflush against the surface being cleaned. As the device is moved over thesurface under a predetermined amount of pressure, the bulb I4 issqueezed to expel small quantities of water which will aid in expungingobstinate foreign substances as the same is loosened by the action ofthe rings I2 on the body I0.

In Figure 4 is shown a slightly modified form of the invention in whichthe bulb I9 is attached to the body 20 through the medium of an undercutboss ZI over which an opening in the bulb I9 is expanded. As in thestructure earlier described, the body 20 has a plurality of annular,concentric rings 22 formed on its work engaging surface, definingannular grooves 23 adapted to receive liquid expelled from the bulb l9through a series of passages 2c in the body.

Operation of the device last described above is the same as set forth inthe form of the invention illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Manifestly, the construction as shown and described is capable of somemodification and such modification as may be construed to fall withinthe scope and meaning of the appended claim is also considered to bewithin the spirit and intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:

A windshield cleaning device comprising a substantially circular body ofinelastic material having a work engaging surface composed of concentricrings with spaces therebetween and effective to dislodge extraneousmaterial from a plane surface over which said device is moved, acircular and peripherally undercut boss formed integrally on said bodyopposite said work engaging surface having fluid passages therethroughcommunicating with the spaces between said concentric rings and acollapsible rubber bulb having an opening receiving said boss andeffective to forcibly expel through said fluid passages liquid drawnthereinto through said fluid passages.

J. B. SPARKMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 489,697 Taylor Jan. 10, 1893506,539 Palmer Oct. 10, 1893 1,064,641 Halstead June 10, 1913 1,766,529Peirson June 24, 1930 1,887,447 Balinger Nov. 8, 1932 1,989,201 KurtzJune 29, 1935 2,186,140 Kurtz Jan. 9, 1940

